Nelson Valdés, a former janitor turned professor emeritus, has received the Bernard S. Rodney Award, which is given to professors who exemplify leadership in education, the article stated.

"Valdés is one of UNM''s very best teachers," said UNM professor Howard Waitzkin.

"He''s a very highly regarded faculty member among students and also many of us, his colleagues. He''s influenced the lives of probably hundreds of UNM students in a very positive direction," Waitzkin added.

According to the article, Valdés began working for UNM as a janitor in 1962, while also taking classes.

Valdés received his doctorate from the university in history and sociology in 1978 and was hired as a professor in 1991, the article noted.